Readers React

San Diego City Council members listened to public comments for the short term rental. Dozens spoke from both sides of the issue.

San Diego City Council members listened to public comments for the short term rental. Dozens spoke from both sides of the issue.

Tom Coat's letter (“Airbnb proposal is not really a compromise” Dec. 12) has it partially right, as was the U-T editorial board when it stated that "investors see San Diego homes as gold mines" by converting homes into mini-hotels or just renting them out at jacked up rents.

Greed is running rampant and while the rich get richer, the middle- and lower-financial-class citizens are getting the shaft.

High winds and dry conditions have resulted in thousands of utility customers losing power in the San Diego area as the county braces to protect itself from the devastation left by wildfires in other parts of Southern California.

High winds and dry conditions have resulted in thousands of utility customers losing power in the San Diego area as the county braces to protect itself from the devastation left by wildfires in other parts of Southern California.

Re “Leaving customers with no power inexcusable” (Dec. 9): When the winds get up to 60 or 70 miles per hour or more, do you think there is a system that is protected against these high winds besides putting the power underground?

I would have to believe San Diego Gas & Electric is getting sued for its transmission lines when they get knocked out and start a brush fire, so this is an ounce of prevention.

Re “Wildfire is a threat we must all address in San Diego County” (Dec. 12): Your editorial cites a “new normal” with respect to fire early in what should be our rainy season. Yet your prescriptions are decidedly “old news.” The West has fought wildfires for more than 100 years using the same techniques. They are not working. Every year fires seem to be more intense and damaging.

The Lilac Fire ripped through a popular Bonsall horse training facility, forcing trainers to release hundreds of thoroughbreds who ran loose through the facility as their barns burned to the ground.

The Lilac Fire ripped through a popular Bonsall horse training facility, forcing trainers to release hundreds of thoroughbreds who ran loose through the facility as their barns burned to the ground.

Re “Thoroughbred death toll rises to 46 from wildfire” (Dec. 9): I am writing as a former racehorse trainer from San Luis Rey Downs in Bonsall. There was no better place to train horses in California. Far from the hustle and bustle of the main track, it was horse heaven.

The recent tragedy has left many horse lovers heartsick. We must all carry on and move past the horror in order to heal.

The upside down Christmas tree is shown on display in the lobby of the Hotel del Coronado

The upside down Christmas tree is shown on display in the lobby of the Hotel del Coronado (Reuters)

After reading a Yahoo article about upside-down Christmas trees that included the information that the Hotel del Coronado's Christmas tree in the main lobby was also upside-down, I called the hotel and asked if that is true.

I was told it is. The takeover of the place by Hilton last year is a tragedy. This year's Christmas brunch is up to $140 and now the tree is upside-down. I have lived too long.